Today in White Sox History: March 19

1979

White Sox shortstop prospect Harry Chappas appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the headline, “The Littlest Rookie.”

Chappas was all of 5´3´´, and his career was as short as his height. In three years, Chappas appeared in 72 games with 184 at-bats, one home run, two stolen bases and 15 walks. Part of the reason for his struggles, from those who knew him, was because of his reluctance to take advice from coaches and teammates.

Chappas’ one career homer came off of Milwaukee’s Bill Travers, who was otherwise enjoying a solid, 2.4 WAR, season.